Scaly Gentle Giants of the Southeast

If you’ve ever come across one of these gentle giants somewhere in South Georgia, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately, they’re on the decline. These large black snakes are the longest snake in North America reaching lengths between 7 and 9 feet.

Ben Stegenga of The Orianne Society with an adult Eastern indigo snake

Did you know?

The genus of their scientific name means “forest ruler”

They are non-venomous and observations suggest they are immune to rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and copperhead venom

The name Indigo comes from the dark blue sheen their scales reflect in the sun

When threatened they can flatten their necks vertically to look bigger!

Federally listed species

Eastern indigo snakes were listed as a federally threatened species in 1978. Populations have declined due to habitat loss, collection for the pet trade, and gassing gopher tortoise burrows to collect rattlesnakes. Keep in mind that if you come across one of these gentle giants, you are not allowed to handle them unless you have a permit.

Use a variety of habitats

In the winter, Indigo snakes can be found in sandhill habitats and use gopher tortoise burrows as dens. During summer months they move to wetlands and swamps.

Gopher tortoise burrow

Can Identify Males and Females

Indigo snakes are the only native species of snake you can determine gender just by appearance. Males have 3 to 5 rows of scales that are partially “keeled” or have a small raised ridge through the middle of them. Females will have completely smooth scales all over the body.

Scales of adult male Eastern indigo snake

Often confused with other snakes

Indigo snakes are often mistaken for other more common species. There are several species of snakes that are also dark in color. However, none of them rival the size of the Indigo. Indigo snakes can also have red to cream colored chins. All known current populations of indigo snake are found south of I-16 and east of I-75. Usually when we receive reports of Indigo snakes, they are actually one of the species below:

Black racer

Smaller in size reaching 4 to 6 feet in length

Duller black

Thinner body

Extremely fast

Southern black racer

Eastern Coachwhip

At least 5 feet in length when full grown

Typically dark in color on first portion of the body that fades to light toward tail